calliecritturs
Posted : 3/12/2008 12:08:03 PM
We've ALL been there (or have dreaded it). All ages, shapes, sizes, situations ... but we ALL love our animals.
Just as a hint ... you may want to ask the vet to put in a catheter and then give her a shot of valium *first*. It all depends on the individual dog .. but if they have been ill for a while it can be tough for them to hit the vein easily (which can upset the dog *and* you). Usually they'll take the dog back and insert the cathether (which isn't hurtful -- it's just a flexible plastic needle that goes in and is taped in so when they administer the drugs they don't have to hurt her at all). Then they'll bring her back out if you have chosen to stay with her.
There is a little rubber stopper thingy where the vet can then put the shot of valium and later the 'pink stuff' so she doesn't feel anything at all scarey. The valium just lets her fall asleep. Then when you're ready the vet will put the other drug in.
Occasionally if they just use the pink stuff alone, it can be scarey. When we had to help Socks, and later Foxy over the Bridge my vet recommended the valium first and I won't ever do it any other way. It was so peaceful for them and for us.
Please please please come back and let us support you thru this Saturday. This is a difficult thing (even when you've well prepared yourself). It HELPS to have others who have 'been there'. The Rainbow Bridge section is also a huge huge help.